Navigation

Social

Later this week, we’re taking a little trip and would love to hear your travel recs… especially those that involve food (of course)! If you have favorite restaurants, markets, or gelato shops please let me know!

Jack and I are heading to Rome, and the Amalfi coast so we’d love suggestions for Positano, Amalfi, Capri, and Sorrento. We’ve been to Rome (and Capri, pictured) before, so we’ll probably skip some of the main tourist attractions but would love other ideas – cool neighborhoods to check out – that sort of thing.

You can’t miss an aperitivo at Andrea Pansa, in Amalfi. While this café is famous for their amazing sweet treats (which are, in fact, amazing), their savoury aperitivo is outstanding. Try the San Bitter, for instance, and they will bring to the table some delicious roasted almonds, spicy olives and other perfect companions for your drink. Besides the service is flawless. Oh, how I miss those aperitivi at dusk! Everyone in the village dresses up and goes out for a walk at the Piazza!
Ravello is also a must. The best views and a fantastic Summer music festival.
Drinks at Le Sirenuse’s swimmingpool bar in Positano were some of our Summer rituals too.
Enjoy your trip. The Amalfi coast is simply the best place on Earth!

Try to use the ferries since the buses can be overwhelmingly crowded. Transport will be a main consideration at this time of year, but if you can get to Cetara, it has fantastic restaurants. If you are interested in hiking, there are two books you can pick up in advance, one published by Sunflower and the other by Cicerone.
South of Salerno there are Greek temples at Paestum–amazing, as are the buffala mozzarella farms in the area.

Supplì al telefono are the quintessential Roman street food. They’re like arancini, deep-fried balls of tomatoey risotto filled with oozy mozzarella. The place I would have to recommend is Supplizio, which isn’t far from Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori.

I literally just returned from Rome / Amalfi this morning! In Rome, be sure to make a reservation at Roscioli. In Sorrento, the best gelato is a toss-up between Davide and Raki. In Positano, get a lunch reservation at Adolfo (they have their own beach that you can spend the afternoon at) and book a table for dinner at Next2! Enjoy!

Definitely head to Ravello. It’s little less touristy but it has the best views. I went there on my honeymoon and it was magical. Have a drink or snack at the Palazzo Avino hotel… You will never forget it!

Please & please be very careful in Rome, there are pickpockets everywhere.
Our group was hit three times in a matter of minutes.
They are brazen, and quite obvious. I must assume they have the cops paid off.
If you are not conscious they will ruin your experience.

We have some great dinner recommendations in Rome: Antica Pesa in the Trestevere section is wonderful. Do not miss Da Benito for incredible seafood near the Vatican (recommended by a local). We had lunch there. Also, Baffetta for pizza. Also, Fiaschetteria, wonderful little local restaurant near the Spanish Steps. These are not tourist traps! We have recommended them to friends and they made repeat visits! In Amalfi, we highly recommend Da Gemma. We stayed at Hotel Santa Caterena, which was really amazing. If you stop in Ravello, go to Campo Cosimo for lunch. Enjoy!

Chez black is the place to eat in Positano. It’s on the beach and lovely. Giolitti is the best gelato on the planet. From the Pantheon in Rome go up the street on the right (facing out from the Pantheon) and it’s on your right. Not to be missed. Raspberry gelato with panna is to die for.

One of the most amazing places to see in Rome is San Clemente. If you haven’t already gone, it should definitely be on your list. Layers of history–the ruins of a Mithraic temple and an early Christian church underneath a basilica with one of the most breathtaking mosaics ever. The eyes and the heart need feeding too! Here’s a link to the official site: http://basilicasanclemente.com/eng/.

You must go to Ravello. I agree with another comment..Campo Cosimo is delicious..excellent pizza, among others! One of our favorite places (went there 2 times) is Salvatore. Simply the best outdoor restaurant with AMAZING views. They are only open for dinner, but u can check out the restaurant and choose ur table in the afternoon. You will not regret it,or forget it!

You MUST visit the restaurant “La Tagliata” in the mountains near by Positano. It was the best Italian food I ever had and I’ m living in the south of Germany and so we often visit Italy. I recommended it to friends and they are they are of the same opinion. Have much fun!!!!

rome: —Giolitti gelatto shop has THE BEST gelatto. order the “gnutella” one and you will be delightfully amazed. The tiramisu gelato is also very good.

—there is a tiny restaurant below a grape-vine ceiling that is quite nice and has very good food. it is called “il baccaro” , though i can’t remember the street. be sure to look it up and also be sure to order the “cacio
e pepe” pasta.

I wish you luck on your trip, and I hope you find my reccomendations helpful!

If you stay in Amalfi, try the Hotel Luna Convento. its a bit more rustic & very authentic. Make sure to eat at the beach restaurant and have the lemon pasta with fish.its amazing. Visit Ravello & go to the concert. Buy Lemoncello.

I stayed here too, on my honeymoon 12 years ago. Amazing memories. There’s a great seafood place down by the water in Amalfi. If you have a car Priano is sweet and a bit under the radar. Also swim in the ocean, rent a kayak. Ahhhhhhh to go back. Have a great time.

Try to get into a cooking class at mamma Agata’s in Ravello. She has the most amazing garden and all her food is made from it. It’s an experience of a lifetime… Find her on the web. You can tell Chiara I sent you- Brett from Colorado. Talk about lemons- you’ll think you died and went to lemon heaven- her cake is unbeatable!! Also, if you can make day trip to Paestum- not far from amalfi, see organic water buffalo and mozzarella and everything else made fresh… Another unforgettable experience and 1 of a kind- only in this area- products not exported… That should keep you busy!!

Cheese in Paestum? Hello????? If you go to Paestum the thing to do is to see the Greek temples, one of which is almost intact soon, and the museum. Unlike Pompeii, Paestum has not been run over by tourists and still has a strong sense of spirituality. Same with Stabiae and Herculaneum

Oh you’re right, I did see the ruins at Paestum but I was thinking along the lines of food. Perhaps I was remiss in not mentioning the ruins- they are wonderful as well, and great to combine with a visit to the only biodynamic organic water buffalo farm which I thought was unique as well…

What fun! In Rome, we loved Pizzarium for street food and Hedera for gelato. In Positano, our best meal was at Ristorante da Vincenzo. For the Amalfi Coast in general, we recommend hiking between locales wherever possible (as long as you’re up for some elevation), the views and lack of crowds just can’t be beat.

In Sorrento, our favorite was Ristorante Donna Sofia – it’s up in the hills and was delightful. In Rome, we loved Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa – I’m not sure if it’s actually touristy or not, but they invented fettuccine alfredo and it’s soooo much better than how we eat it here in the US (all cheese no cream!).

On our last night in Rome, my husband (this was his second trip, my first) took me to a gelateria that was hidden in a pedestrian-only area and basically in an alley. I wish I could remember the name, I’ll try to ask my husband if he does.

I am quite envious of you – we went for our honeymoon two years ago and I’ve been wanting so badly to go back!

With reference of your article, I have the pleasure to tell you the history of my grandfather Alfredo Di Lelio, who is the creator of “Fettuccine all’Alfredo” (“Fettuccine Alfredo”) in 1908 in the “trattoria” run by his mother Angelina in Rome, Piazza Rosa (Piazza disappeared in 1910 following the construction of the Galleria Colonna / Sordi). This “trattoria” of Piazza Rosa has become the “birthplace of fettuccine all’Alfredo”.
More specifically, as is well known to many people who love the “fettuccine all’Alfredo”, this famous dish in the world was invented by Alfredo Di Lelio concerned about the lack of appetite of his wife Ines, who was pregnant with my father Armando (born February 26, 1908).
Alfredo di Lelio opened his restaurant “Alfredo” in 1914 in Rome and in 1943, during the war, he sold the restaurant to others outside his family.
In 1950 Alfredo Di Lelio decided to reopen with his son Armando his restaurant in Piazza Augusto Imperatore n.30 “Il Vero Alfredo” (“Alfredo di Roma”), whose fame in the world has been strengthened by his nephew Alfredo and that now managed by me, with the famous “gold cutlery” (fork and spoon gold) donated in 1927 by two well-known American actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks (in gratitude for the hospitality).
See also the website of “Il Vero Alfredo”.(with news also about franchising).

I must clarify that other restaurants “Alfredo” in Rome (as Alfredo alla scrofa or Alfredo’s gallery) do not belong to my brand “Il Vero Alfredo – Alfredo di Roma”.
I inform you that the restaurant “Il Vero Alfredo –Alfredo di Roma” is in the registry of “Historic Shops of Excellence” of the City of Rome Capitale.
Best regards Ines Di Lelio

So so so awesome!!! My husband and I spent some time in Italy last fall, and were in Rome and Positano for part of the trip.
Rome: we loved walking around the Monti neighborhood (we stayed there in an awesome B&B). It’s right near the Colosseum but pretty calm even so. Little shops, great gelato at Gelateria dell’Angeletto (on the corner of Via Leonina), even a couple places you can get fresh pressed juice. Dinner at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali on Via della Madonna dei Monti was also delightful. We ate there on our last night in Italy and I had a phenomenal pasta con cacio e pepe with black truffle. 🙂
Amalfi: We were in Positano in November, so lots of the top reviewed restaurants places were closed. But our favorite experience of our time there was hiking the “Path of the Gods” (Sentiero degli Dei) — you can take the bus up from Positano to Nocelle and start from there. Either hike out and back, or take it all the way to Arienzo (I think?) and take the bus back to Postiano. It’s magical — quiet, secluded (at least when we were there), and the most amazing views of EVERYTHING.
Have a wonderful time!!!

I returned a few weeks ago from studying abroad for 5 weeks in Rome (and made it to the Amalfi Coast as well). I lived in the Monti neighborhood, which boasts several amazing food places, one of them a raw chocolate bar called Grezzo (Via Urbana), but there are many other places to try in Monti. Definitely eat a meal in the Jewish Quarter and in Trastevere. Forno Campo de’Fiori and Forno Roscioli are good for quick lunches, as is Zucchero e Farina (a pizza al taglio place). An artisanal bakery can be found on Via Della Lucce, in Trastevere – Artigiano Biscottificio Innocenti. The gelato … where to begin? Fatamorgana, definitely, and Frigidarium, near the Pantheon / Piazza Navona, and San Crispin, near the Pantheon.

If you’re there on a Saturday or Sunday, definitely go to Campagna Amica on Via San Teodoro. It’s the local farmer’s market, and it has a 0km rule, so everything there comes from as close to Rome as possible.

We spent two weeks on the Amalfi Coast in mid May. When you go, eat tomatoes everyday,and find as many ways as possible to enjoy the famous Amalfi lemons, neither of these gems will taste the same once you return home. Oh, and consume as much olive oil as you can (at one point I debated drinking olive oil instead of wine, the oil is that wonderful). If you have a chance try the orata, a wonderful white fish that is fantastic grilled or baked. And, I fell in love with the local white wine (Falanghina grape). Favorite ristorante — l’abside (Piazza dei Dogi) in Amalfi Town. The food was so amazing we ate there twice. We enjoyed a excellent meal at Il Tari as well. The ristorante is located near the duomo. For gelato and a great baked goods, visit Pasticceria Savoia. They have a wonderful selection of sweets. You won’t want to leave Amalfi Town before you savour their delizia al limone.

Every experience on the Amalfi coast is a treasure. It is our favourite spot on earth. We continue to return, year after year, to a family run hotel called Onda Verde just south of Priano. The chef at the hotel, Nicola cooks fresh pasta and seafood meals for the guests each night, so it is hard to leave. Picture yourself dining on the side of a cliff watching the sun set with the water glimmering like jewels. Over the years we have tried lots of restaurants and I think my favourite experiences are as follows.
Positano
Caffe Postiano – Grilled Buffalo Mozzerella & Lemon Leaf. DELICIOUS!
The cafe is pearched on the side of the cliff high above the city. Sit on the terrace over looking the cliff. You can walk up straight up a 100 + steps from beach/shopping area.
La Tagliata is worth the evening. The views are spectacular and the food (while way too much) is delicious!
One Fire Beach in Priano. Walk down the side of the cliff following signs “to the beach”. Spend an afternoon on the orange beach lounges….swimming, relaxing, reading. Favourite lunch there is the Salad Noise but everything is delicious. Owner Picoletto has a water spray and if guests wants he will cool them down from head to toe. You can take a water taxi or local bus to Priano.
Cafe Maria for lunch in Ravello. We were sitting in the Piazza and ran into chef David Rocco. He told us that his friend owned a restaurant called Cafe Maria and to go for lunch. We did and we have been back numerous times. Sitting on the Terrace overlooking the valley you can see glimpses of the ocean. The lemon linguine is divine. After lunch visit the garden and then walk down the cliff to Amalfi.
Ciao, Have a great time in paradise!
K

While you’re talking Borghese – book tickets to go to the Borghese gallery! You have to book in advance, not that expensive and it takes up maybe 1 1/2 plus a nice walk in a beautiful garden/park. We just got back from Rome and I just posted Day 1 on my blog, Day 3 includes Borghese and this restaurant, near Palazzo Navona, “Mimi e Coco” that we loved. Have fun! Charlie, http://www.lemonbutterlove.com

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Maiori and loved it. I would go to Deliziefollie for gelato. Torre Normanna had great wine, and delicious lamb chops (the view is beautiful). L’ Ancora had a delicious lemon ravioli and good pizza. Mamma Agata’s cooking class was a really great time, especially with the nice weather and view. The Amalfi Cathedral is a good place to walk around. Da Gemma Restaurant next door is pricey but really good as well.

My wife and I went to Rome last summer. Our best meal was at Trattoria Cavalier Gino (may also be called Da Gino). Make sure you make reservations ahead of time. My wife had the pasta amitricana and I had the potato gnocchi which both were excellent and the service was fantastic as well. Potato gnocchi is only served on Thursdays, as is the tradition, other days you’ll find semolina gnocchi which I thought tasted similar to corn meal pancakes. Best gelato we had was at Gelateria del Teatro, the hazelnut was ridiculously good. Grab a bellini at Soletta 42, they use fresh peach puree. We had a good time at Roscioli too, they threw in some complimentary food with dinner. Always drink and buy caffe at the bar, unless you want to pay extra to sit (try Rosati caffe or Sciascia caffe). If you go to the vatican on Wednesday, you can get tickets to see the Pope. Most breakfast pastries we had in Italy were terrible, but maybe we didn’t go to the right places. And Pizzarium did have awesome pizza.

I literally just came back from Costiera Amalfitana and have a few places to recommend:
– definitely go to Ravello and the villas Ruffolo and Cimbrone – beautiful Roman villas, so green and well maintained
– explore Amalfi itself and neighbouring Atrani on foot and following the little windy streets there. Atrani also has a lovely clean beach and the pizzeria at the beach does wonderful food (freshly baked in minutes)
– go to the Duomo in Amalfi, take your time to have a look at the wall paintings and sculptures; just wander up and down the streets (often comprised of stairs) to reach the higher points in the town and take in the view
– as places to eat go – Trattoria di Duca, Silver moon and Il Smeraldino and are worth a visit, there are many gelato places but there is one as you go past the Duomo (it being on your right) and into the main street there on the right, it has the largest selection of gelato. There is another one right in the opposite direction facing the marina
– if you have time, you can do a day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum, and/or to Pestum

We just returned from our trip to Rome and Positano. There were so many amazing meals I still need to write them all down. There is a neighborhood right outside of the Colosseum area called Monti and a wonderful local spot called Flavio al Velavevodetto that had fantastic cacio e pepe and a local cat strolling the outdoor seating. Best pizza hands down was at Dar Poeta in Trastevere….the crust is perfect and the neighborhood is a funkier alternative to traditional Rome. Chez Black in Positano was so much fun for dinner and the food was fantastic as were fresh smoothies and a homemade zucchini frittata at Casa Bottega. A quiet afternoon on the beach at Spiaggia di Fornillo with the great family running the Bar Bagni Da Ferdinando was a memorable day as well. Can’t wait to hear about your journey – have a wonderful trip!!

I’ve stayed at the Parco dei Principi in Sorrento a handful of times and I highly recommend stopping by for at least a drink just to check out the hotel. It’s decorated in blue and white majolica tiles – has a very 1950’s vibe going on and a fantastic view of Vesuvius from the hotel. I love the place. Sorrento is a great spot for dinner after visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Oplontis. If you take the Circumvesuviana commuter train, which is fantastic to do just in itself, Sorrento will be an easy fit into your schedule and connects you to several ancient sites. You’re visiting our favorite part of Italy – have a wonderful time!

The Ristorante La Sponda at the Le Sirenuse hotel is a must-do. We had made reservations for dinner, and sat by the ledge and had the most fabulous view of all of Positano. We’re vegetarians, and they were super accommodative about it. So much so, that we went a second time the very next day – that’s two visits to the same restaurant on a two day stop in Positano!

I found something different on a Youtube channel called cooking and conversation. It’s this Ivy league educated guy who teaches you how to make common food items but blends it with conversation about subject matter that we ALL can identify with, and he’s pretty funny too. He’s not politically correct , which is kind of refreshing. Check it out.

Ooooh, lucky you! The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world! I strongly recommend you have dinner at Il Palazzo Murat in Positano. You dine in the courtyard amidst lush greenery and the food is delicious. The three times I’ve gone they had squash blossoms with a simple but lovely marinara sauce. Absolutely divine! You should also walk the 1700 stone step up from Positano to the little town of Monterpertuso. They views are unparalleled as you wander up through olive groves, and we had a lovely, incredibly fresh fish dish with a view of 100 miles. (The fish was like a bass with a mild puttanesca-like sauce.) Be sure to visit Ravello, too. I forget the name of the villa perched on the edge of the cliff, but the grounds are gorgeous, and you can take postcard perfect photos without trying.

Hi! When in Rome: Gelateria Romana http://www.gelateriaromana.com/en/
Hands down, the best gelato in town.
We also loved the pasta and drinks at That’s Amore. Really cute restaurant near the Fontana di Trevi.
Amalfi is amazing: Hotels at Conca dei Marini beach have the best view, and Ravello (city up on the hills) is just sooo charming.
if you get the chance to go to Ischia island for a couple of days, do it.

If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Amalfi town do the Amalfi Lemon Experience. Look it up on Trip Advisor. We did the tour and the cooking class for 130 Euro each. Worth every cent. It was the best day during our 3 week stay (which we have just gotten back from). Also if you want to get away from the crowds take the ferry from Amalfi to Maiori (3 Euro one way) It’s a great little town, more locals than tourists, lots of space to move about and easy to get to. We wished we had stayed there for a few days. Have the BEST time!

Maria Grazia – she is the chef who invented the famous Spaghetti alla Nerano, one of the most faumous south summer dish. Very few can do in the right way this amazing pasta. Are spaghetti with zucchine, basil parmesan and secret ingredients 😉 I will tell you in private what is ;-)))))

The resturant is located on the bech of nerano

I Quattro Passi – 2 michelin star I guess

La taverna del capitano

Il Cantuccio

Positano

If you say Positano you can not immediately connect your mind to the San Pietro hotel, one of the most charming hotel of the world.

Have a drink or eat at Zass ( the restaurant) is an amazing experiece.

Hello!
First of all, I enjoy your blog – your photos are spectacular.
We were in Rome last spring and had two amazing meals – you need reservations for both places. Bon Appetit!

Da Felice
29 Via Mastro Giorgio
Rome , Italy http://www.feliceatestaccio.com/
39-06-574-6800
A cult-favorite trattoria where professors, market vendors, and young hipsters gather over platters of handmade pasta. The ricotta-and-spinach ravioli with cherry tomatoes and marjoram is cucina romana at its authentic best

Trattoria Monti
13 Via di San Vito
Rome , Italy
39-06-446-6573
Reservations are certainly needed at this brightly lit, 12-table trattoria located one block from the Piazza Vittorio. Brothers Enrico and Daniele Camerucci own and operate the dining room, while their mother controls the kitchen. Franca, or momma, as she is known to the locals, crafts cuisine inspired by the Le Marche region, including starters called tortinos (egg-based custards mixed with different vegetables and parmesan cheese). Though game like rabbit stuffed with truffles is available, the tortellone (one large ravioli stuffed with a runny egg yolk and topped with crispy sage and brown butter) is the house specialty.